Brumbies star king-hit at music festival

Date: December 19 2012

Canberra

Brumbies halfback Nic White has had surgery for a fractured jaw after being king-hit at the same Canberra music festival from which Raiders' NRL player Blake Ferguson was ejected for allegedly spitting at patrons.

The Brumbies have investigated the incident internally and cleared White of any wrongdoing, and say he was unable to press charges as he was hit once from behind and didn't see the aggressor.

Brumbies' chief executive Andrew Fagan said while the incident was disappointing, they believed White, 22, was not to blame.

"It was certainly an unfortunate incident, one in which one of our players was hit with no provocation and when people go to enjoy concerts, it's unfortunate that these sorts of incidents can take place," he said.

Fagan said although White needed surgery for a fractured jaw, he didn't miss any training.

The incident occurred at the Foreshore music festival on November 24, the same event where Canberra centre Ferguson was escorted out by security for reportedly spitting at patrons in an unrelated matter.

Less than a day later, police also investigated an incident outside Canberra player Joel Thompson's apartment after a cyclist was struck by a glass bottle thrown from his balcony during a festival after-party.

However, it is not believed Thompson was responsible for throwing the bottle.

While White is also recovering from shoulder surgery and is yet to begin contact work, the Brumbies believe his fractured jaw won't affect his availability when they face the Queensland Reds in the 2013 Super Rugby season opener on February 16.

AAP

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